2012 Chevrolet Silverado 1500: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The biggest change for the 2012 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 is a light front-end styling refresh, most notably on LS, LT and LTZ trims. This is not a full redesign; the cab choices, engine lineup, Hybrid model and basic structure carry over from 2011.
About the 2012 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
2nd generation Silverado 1500 (GMT900, 2007-2013), late-cycle refresh year and the next-to-last model year before the 2014 redesign.
Chevrolet positioned the 2012 Silverado 1500 as a dependable full-size pickup built to work hard and last a long time, while still offering enough variety for personal use. Its selling points were wide choice in cabs, beds and drivetrains, strong V8 towing capability, and a cabin that ranged from basic job-site simple to near-luxury LTZ comfort. Against rivals, the Silverado leaned on durability, familiar controls, broad configuration choice and a smoother everyday ride than many shoppers expected from a truck.
The 2012 lineup ranges from the basic, job-focused Work Truck to the do-everything LT and more upscale LTZ. LTZ stands out with a 5.3-liter V8, heated leather-trimmed power seats, Bose audio and touchscreen navigation, while the crew-cab Hybrid pairs a 6.0-liter V8 hybrid system with comfort features such as dual-zone climate control and Bluetooth.
What changed, by category
2012 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | V8, Flex Fuel, 4.8 Liter | V8, Flex Fuel, 5.3 Liter / V8, Flex Fuel, 4.8 Liter / V8, Flex Fuel, 6.2 Liter | V8, Flex Fuel, 5.3 Liter / V8, Flex Fuel, 6.2 Liter | V8, Flex Fuel, 5.3 Liter | V8, Hybrid, 6.0 Liter | V8, Flex Fuel, 5.3 Liter / V8, Flex Fuel, 4.8 Liter / V6, 4.3 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, 4-Spd w/Overdrive | Automatic, 6-Spd HD w/Overdrive / Automatic, 4-Spd w/Overdrive | Automatic, 6-Spd HD w/Overdrive | Automatic, 6-Spd HD w/Overdrive | Automatic, EVT | Automatic, 6-Spd HD w/Overdrive / Automatic, 4-Spd w/Overdrive |
| Drivetrain | 2WD | 4WD / 2WD | 4WD / 2WD | 2WD | 4WD | 4WD / 2WD |
| Fuel Type | Flexible Fuel | Flexible Fuel | Flexible Fuel | Flexible Fuel | Hybrid | Flexible Fuel / Gas |
| MPG City | 14 mpg | 13–15 mpg | 13–15 mpg | 15 mpg | 20 mpg | 14–15 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 19 mpg | 18–21 mpg | 18–21 mpg | 22 mpg | 23 mpg | 19–22 mpg |
| Horsepower | 302 hp | 302–403 hp | 315–403 hp | 315 hp | 195–315 hp | |
| Torque | 305 lb-ft | 305–417 lb-ft | 335–417 lb-ft | 335 lb-ft | 367 lb-ft | 260–335 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 6700–6900 lb | 6500–10400 lb | 9300–10700 lb | 7000 lb | 5900 lb | 9100–10000 lb |
| Rear Legroom | 34.3–38.7 in | 34.3–38.7 in | 34.3–38.7 in | 38.7 in | 38.7 in | 34.3–38.7 in |
| Seats | 6 | 3–6 | 5 | 6 | 6 | 3–6 |
| Doors | 4 | 2–4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 2–4 |
| 4-Wheel Disc Brakes | ||||||
| Alarm System | ||||||
| Hill Start Assist | ||||||
| Park Assist | ||||||
| Rear Parking Sensors | ||||||
| Rear View Camera | ||||||
| Alloy Wheels | ||||||
| Auto-Dimming Exterior Mirrors | ||||||
| Fog Lights | ||||||
| Heated Mirrors | ||||||
| Power Moonroof | ||||||
| Power Folding Exterior Mirrors | ||||||
| Power Mirrors | ||||||
| Privacy Glass | ||||||
| Side Steps | ||||||
| Tow Hooks | ||||||
| Trailer Hitch Receiver | ||||||
| Bluetooth | ||||||
| Front DVD Entertainment System | ||||||
| Navigation System | ||||||
| Satellite Radio | ||||||
| Subwoofer | ||||||
| USB Ports | ||||||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | ||||||
| Cooled Seats | ||||||
| Dual Power Front Seats | ||||||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | ||||||
| Heated Front Seats | ||||||
| Integrated Garage Door Opener | ||||||
| Leather Seats | ||||||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | ||||||
| Memory Driver's Seat | ||||||
| Power Adjustable Pedals | ||||||
| Power Windows | ||||||
| Remote Start | ||||||
| Tilt Wheel | ||||||
Frequently asked questions
What changed on the 2012 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 compared with the 2011 model?
The main change is refreshed front-end styling on LS, LT and LTZ trims. Chevrolet also added the White Diamond Edition and brought back the appearance-focused Custom Sport Truck package, while the core engines, cab configurations and structure carried over.
Was the 2012 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 fully redesigned?
No, the 2012 Silverado 1500 was not fully redesigned. It received a mild late-cycle styling refresh and remained part of the second-generation GMT900 truck line introduced for 2007.
Which 2012 Silverado 1500 trims received the front-end refresh?
The LS, LT and LTZ trims received the most visible front-end updates. LS and LT gained a chrome-mesh grille and revised chrome trim, while LTZ received a body-color grille surround and revised premium trim.
Did the 2012 Silverado 1500 get new engines?
No, the main V6 and V8 engine lineup carried over for 2012, as did the two-mode Hybrid model. The year’s headline update was styling rather than a major mechanical change.
What are the 2012 Silverado 1500 White Diamond Edition and Custom Sport Truck package?
They are appearance-focused additions for 2012. The White Diamond Edition was new for the year, while Chevrolet revived the Custom Sport Truck package; neither represented a redesign of the truck itself.